Last August, Gina thought she was in the clear. Her pool in Granite Bay had stayed sparkling all summer long. The kids were swimming, the floaties were out, and everything looked fine. But right before Labor Day weekend, the water turned green overnight. "I thought we were done with algae season," she said. Turns out, her chlorine had dropped fast—and her filter hadn’t been cleaned in weeks.

Mid-to-late August is when most pools start showing signs of wear—and if you’re not watching closely, your water quality can go downhill fast. Between heat, high bather loads, wildfire smoke, and end-of-summer fatigue, your pool needs a little extra attention this time of year.

Here’s your August pool care checklist, designed specifically for pool owners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, and surrounding Northern California towns.

Leave Your Pool to the Experts!

1. Test Your Water Twice a Week

The sun’s still intense, and chlorine gets burned off faster than most people realize in August. Plus, if your pool has seen a lot of use this summer, the chemical balance may be hanging on by a thread.

Make sure you test for:

Free chlorine
pH
Alkalinity
Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
Calcium hardness

If your readings are way off—or if the water smells weird, feels slimy, or starts looking cloudy—it’s time to act fast.

2. Clean Your Filter

Whether you’ve got a DE, cartridge, or sand filter, now’s the time to give it a good clean. Filters that have been working overtime all summer can get clogged, which slows water flow and reduces cleaning efficiency.

Not sure if it’s time? If your pressure gauge is reading 8-10 PSI over the clean baseline, it’s definitely due.

3. Stay Ahead of Algae

Algae loves warm, stagnant water. It doesn’t matter if your chlorine was balanced two days ago—if it drops, even temporarily, green or yellow algae can take hold quickly.

Use a preventative algaecide weekly, and brush all walls and steps to keep growth from sneaking up in corners and behind ladders.

4. Watch for Wildfire Ash

If there’s wildfire smoke in the air, assume ash is landing in your pool—even if you can’t see it. Ash can:

Disrupt pH
Clog filters
Add phosphates (algae food) to your water

Skim daily, run your pump longer than usual, and consider shocking the pool more frequently if smoke hangs around.

5. Prep for a Smooth Closeout (If You Close Your Pool)

If you’re one of the few in NorCal who closes your pool for the fall, this is the time to start planning. Don’t wait until September to get supplies or service booked. A last-minute pool cover or chemical imbalance can turn into costly issues come spring.

Tired of Babysitting Your Pool?

August is when a lot of pool owners burn out—especially if they’ve been handling all the maintenance themselves since May.

If you’re in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, Sheridan, or nearby, American Dream Pool & Spa Service can take over the hard work for you. Whether you need a mid-season deep clean, a water chemistry reset, or just someone to keep your system on track—we’re here to help.

Contact American Dream Pool & Spa Service today and finish summer strong with a pool that’s crystal clear and carefree.

Want Us to Take Care of Your Pool?

American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.

The August Pool Care Checklist Every Northern California Homeowner Needs